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Mixed waste is everywhere, and it’s not going away soon
In the Global South, where waste management systems are not yet established properly, most waste is thrown out without sorting. It’s a mix of organics, plastics, and other materials, which are hard to process, low in quality, and low in value. Approx. 90% of the waste is then openly burned, dumped in nature, or disposed of in poorly managed landfills. Even in regions like Europe, where waste management has been optimized for decades, 30-50% of waste remains mixed (Eurostat, 2020). Shifting to a circular economy will take significant time and investment, but in the meantime, large volumes of mixed waste will continue to accumulate. Therefore, processing mixed waste is essential in supporting the transition.
Read our linkedin carousel or full article for the complete argumentation.
Integrating global best practices: recovery of Recyclables and conversion into high-quality refuse-derived fuel (RDF) through Material Recovery and Recycling Facility (MRRF)
The MRRF operates by maximizing the recovery of Recyclables and compost, and converts the remaining waste into high-quality RDF. Engineered with adaptable design, MRRF is a flexible, future-ready solution that can process both mixed and segregated waste, based on the required composition for input and output. Real-time analytics, utilizing both on-the-ground and digital monitoring systems, will track every step to ensure consistent quality and environmental compliance.
Developed by SweepSmart, the MRFF combines top-tier global equipment with locally sourced technology, striking a balance between automation and manual labor, and integrating mechanical and biological processing to divert 80-85% of waste from landfills. The concept is built on decades of experience in emerging markets, with support from European waste management leaders such as Renewi, Orgaworld, and Waltec, combined with local adaptation through our Indonesian partner, Recovered Indonesia. This ensures that our MRRF is technically advanced and locally applicable.
Getting maximum recovery of a difficult-to-valorise waste stream
Processing mixed waste into Recyclables and RDF requires the waste to meet specific quality standards, especially in its moisture content and calorific value. Household municipal solid waste, which is still mainly collected as mixed waste, typically contains over 60% organic material with high moisture content (60-80%). This causes a significant problem, since the wetter the waste, the less energy it produces and the more RDF it requires to maintain kiln efficiency. As an alternative fuel to coal, RDF must be comparable in its energy production. The key is to have a certain calorific value (10-15 MJ/kg) and low moisture content (<20%).
Biological drying is part of the steps in the MRRF system. It plays a key role in achieving the desired RDF quality, reducing moisture by 40% and stabilizing the organic fraction, producing RDF suitable for use in cement kilns. The steps in MRRF also remove recyclables, toxic compounds, and heavy metals along the way. This results in cleaner, higher-quality RDF and more Recovered Recyclables, ready to be traded on the market.
The MRRF can handle 200 to 3000 tonnes per day of mixed waste sourced from households and non-hazardous industrial waste. At the heart of it is a four-stage Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) process, designed for maximum efficiency and recovery.
- Pre-shredding – Breaks down waste and ensures a uniform flow
- Screening & Separation – Using high-tech machinery and manual sorting to separate waste into distinct streams
- Biological Drying – Reduces moisture by 40% and stabilizes organic matter
- Post-Drying Processing & Shredding– Separates valuable materials from inerts, refines waste for precision shredding
Boosting the recovery rate from 5% all the way up to 80-85%, the process at MRRF yields recyclables (5%), compost (5%), stabilized inert materials (20%), and most importantly, high-quality RDF/SRF (30%). This means only the inert materials are sent to landfill, and even that can be used as an eco-friendly landfill cover, further reducing the landfill burden.
First MRRF: Coming soon in Indonesia
The first full-scale MRRF is becoming a reality through close cooperation with Gowa Regency in Indonesia. Set to start in 2026, this facility will handle 330 tons of mixed waste per day, covering 70% of the total waste generated in Gowa Regency. The facility will reduce landfill dependency, improve local recycling rates, and offer 75 formal jobs, all while stimulating the local green economy.
This marks a major milestone for mixed waste management in the region that is locally adapted and scalable. We look forward to sharing our results and findings with you as the project takes shape!
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